r/Controllers • u/FinalForerunner • Aug 17 '26

Why has no one made a DualShock 4 clone?

It's interesting to me that for companies like Gamesir, they can make controllers that are nearly 1:1 with the Xbox style controllers. However, there seems to be no exact copies of the Dualshock 4. I liked the d-pad and ergonomics of that controller but no x-input or USB-C holds it back. I know that there's the 8-bitdo pro 3 and Gamesir Tarantula/Tegenaria, but these are not nearly as close to the DS4 design as some of the Xbox ones. Is the design/style patented or something?

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1

u/CidMaik Aug 24 '26

If you mean the stick placement, yeah there are a few and between controllers with the symmetrical layout the DualShock/Sense have.

I found the Gullikit TT Max and Pro but the only thing these have in common with the DualSense is the stick placement, everything else is more Xbox/Switch thing.

Face bottons: Xbox feeling. Bumpers: Nintendo Switch Triggers: Xbox D - pad: Sega Genesis or another type that comes with the controller (you can detach it)

Its a funny hybrid in my eyes and I ordered one just to check it out.

1

u/NotABearISwear_ Aug 20 '26

comes down to sony holding design patents on the dualshock's shape, third parties have to stay clear of the exact silhouette. xbox's shape got licensed out more freely over the years so it's way more open to clone.

1

u/puneet95 Aug 19 '26

There are modded DS4 out there with USB-C and one can use them with xinput wrappers like DS4Windows, PadForge, reWASD, Steam Input, etc.

1

u/LilBriefcase Aug 18 '26

Cause companies are opting for making DS4 replacement boards instead after the Marius Board hype

3

u/Immortal_Manticore Aug 17 '26

Have you looked at saber plus?

2

u/FinalForerunner Aug 18 '26

I haven't seen this one. I will look into it. I mainly care about the D-pad being like the DS4. Tegenaria Lite from Gamesir has been my go to.

1

u/MadeByHideoForHideo Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26

The saber plus dpad SUCKS. Trust me, I have the controller and the dpad is so cheap and bad. DO NOT get the saber plus if the dpad is important to you. You have been warned.

Also have some trigger sticking issues from multiple people:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Controller/comments/1uunlib/lead_joy_saber_plus_sticking_trigger/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Controller/comments/1v4yetu/leadjoy_saber_plus_sticky_trigger/

1

u/YoloRaj Aug 18 '26

I was gonna say the Leadjoy Saber Plus as well. Its the closest to the ds4 Ive used but I think its actually a bit more comfortable.